Evaluation of different cleaning methods for feline inhalation chambers after bacterial contamination

Abstract

Objectives Inhalation chambers are commonly used for the delivery of aerosol drugs to cats with respiratory disease. The aim of the study was to identify successful cleaning methods for inhalation devices after standardised bacterial contamination. Methods Spacer devices of two different manufacturers were used: RC Chamber (Cegla Medizintechnik) and Aerokat (Trudell Medical International). The bacterial contamination was performed using Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Previously marked areas of the chamber were contaminated with 50 μl of bacterial solution, containing between 2.2 ×105 and 2.1 ×108 colony-forming units/ml each. After cleaning the devices as recommended by each manufacturer (RC Chamber: special microwave cleaning bag [n = 5] or boiling water with liquid dish detergent for 15 mins [n = 5]; Aerokat: rinsing in a solution of lukewarm water and liquid dish detergent for 15 mins), chambers were air-dried for 24 h and samples for bacterial culture were taken from three defined areas. Sample material was applied on Müller–Hinton agar plates and subsequently incubated for 24 h at 37°C. Results Bacterial contamination was not detected in any of the examined inhalation devices using the recommended cleaning methods. Conclusions and relevance If inhalation chambers are cleaned following the manufacturers’ recommendations, successful bacterial decontamination can be expected.

Inhalative Therapie chronischer Erkrankungen der unteren Atemwege bei Hund und Katze – eine Literaturübersicht

“…In der Tiermedizin gibt es bisher keine Studien, die die Kontamination von IK bei Kleintieren untersucht haben. Eine Studie, in der unter Laborbedingungen veterinärmedizinische IK zweier Hersteller mit Pseudomonas aeruginosa kontaminiert wurden, konnte zeigen, dass eine Reinigung und Dekontamination nach Herstellerangaben stets erfolgreich war 112 .…”

Breathe easy: inhalational therapy for feline inflammatory airway disease

“…Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning VHCs was reported to be sufficient for bacterial decontamination. 34 A recent prospective study culturing spacers and masks from 66 client-owned cats with inflammatory airway disease found that 58% had bacterial growth, with most contamination occurring within the mask. 35 Owner-reported cleaning frequency was not associated with contamination of the device nor the degree of contamination.…”

Inhalative Therapie chronischer Erkrankungen der unteren Atemwege bei Hund und Katze – eine Literaturübersicht

“…In der Tiermedizin gibt es bisher keine Studien, die die Kontamination von IK bei Kleintieren untersucht haben. Eine Studie, in welcher unter Laborbedingungen veterinärmedizinische IK zweier Hersteller mit Pseudomonas aeruginosa kontaminiert wurden, konnte zeigen, dass eine Reinigung und Dekontamination nach Herstellerangaben stets erfolgreich war 112 .…”